Portable Container For Thermally Sensitive Material

ABSTRACT

A portable container that has a rugged outer shell to protect the contents within, along with an a insulating layer to protect the contents from thermal damage. The portable container can optionally have internal compartments with specific shapes to accommodate specific items, or a soft compliant inner layer that can accommodate a variety of shapes through the use of foam layers that provide physical protection for the item without having shape constraints. Optionally, the insulating layer can be made to commercially available material, such as “blue ice” that can be pre-chilled in a refrigerator prior to insertion of the item that needs to be protected. An optional temperature sensor and alarm mechanism is also provided to warn the user if the internal temperature has succeeded a predetermined limit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to, and claims the benefit of, the provisional patent application entitled “Portable Container For Thermally Sensitive Material”, filed Apr. 25, 2009, bearing U.S. Ser. No. 61/172,727 and naming Judy Franklyn and JoAnne Davis (the named inventor herein), as sole inventors, the contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to portable cooling devices for transportation of thermally sensitive materials. In particular, the invention relates to portable containers designed for one or more small items, such as lipstick or insulin containers, which are often carried by users and are susceptible to damage from heat.

2. Background

A variety of small personal items that are often carried by individuals, either by choice or necessity, when leaving the house. One such item is lipstick that is used by most women today. A problem associated with lipstick is that it is very susceptible to damage by heat. For example, if a tube of lipstick is inadvertently left in an automobile, the normal heating process which occurs when a car is parked in the sun may cause the lipstick to melt and/or deform in shape such that is not usable. Since lipstick can be fairly expensive, this can be a costly problem for many women. In addition to heat damage from automobiles, when lipstick is taken to warm places, such as the beach, outdoors, etc., it may be susceptible to heat damage. It would be desirable to have a method of protecting lipstick when traveling or in warm locations.

In addition to physical deformity of lipstick as a result heating, there are also changes that occur to lipstick from repeated heating and cooling. In particular, lipstick tends to be heated and cooled multiple times from the time it is manufactured until it is in the hands of the consumer. For example, once the lipstick leaves the manufacturing plant, it may be subject to significant thermal damage while transported to a distributor. Likewise, the distributor has to ship the lipstick to local stores. Once again, the lipstick is subject to thermal damage in transit. When the consumer purchases the lipstick, it is once again subject to formal damage when the consumer carries it or leaves it in an automobile or other warm location. The repeated heating and cooling of the lipstick can result in chemical changes that affect the performance of the lipstick. And once those chemical changes occur, the product is never the same. Currently, thermally sensitive products that are created in a manufacturing facility, are never the same when they reach the consumer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this same phenomenon will occur whether the transported item is lipstick or any other material, such as medicines, which are susceptible to thermal damage.

In addition, while a product may be exposed to thermal damage anywhere from 3 to 4 times between manufacture and delivery to the consumer, it is exposed to thermal damage many more times thereafter. For example, when a consumer carries lipstick from one place to another, it may be heated and cooled several times every day. A typical consumer may spend 1 or more hours a day in a vehicle, go in and help of an air-conditioned environment, etc. This can rapidly make products such as medicine become ineffective, it can make other products such as lipstick break, change color, or change consistency to the point where it has to be disposed of. Further, products such as lipstick can emit a foul odor as a result of this continuous thermal process.

In addition to the expense associated with thermally damaged lipstick, there is also a health issue. In particular, when lipstick heats up it provides an ideal environment for the development of bacteria. This may cause a variety of health problems when the lipstick is applied depending on the types of bacteria that have grown in the lipstick. It would be desirable to have a method of maintaining a cool temperature for the purpose of inhibiting bacterial growth.

While optional items such as lipstick may be an inconvenience to the owner when the item sustains thermal damage, there are other situations where thermal damage and cause a more significant health risk. An example of this is the use of medicines which users may be required to carry with them whenever traveling. One example of a medicine, among many, that is susceptible to thermal damage is insulin. When at home, diabetics typically store their insulin in the refrigerator, which extends its useful lifetime. However, Insulin-dependent diabetics cannot stay at home all time and typically must carry a supply of insulin and a syringe with them whenever traveling. Unfortunately, the quality and safety of insulin can be adversely affected by exposure to heat. As a result, even if a diabetic has been careful enough to carry insulin with them, the insulin to use may be low in quality or ineffective if it has been exposed to too much heat. It would be desirable to have a method of protecting insulin, or other medicines, when carried outside the home.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that while lipstick and medicines such as insulin share a common problem related to heat damage, there are any number of other items that have the same risk when exposed to heat. For example, there are a variety of expensive cosmetics and perfumes that may be adversely affected by heat. It would be desirable to have a portable device that could protect one or more of these varying thermally sensitive items from thermal damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable container that has a rugged outer shell to protect the contents within, along with an insulating layer to protect the contents from thermal damage. The portable container can have one or more internal compartments with specific shapes to accommodate specific items, or alternatively, the container can have a compliant inner compartment that can accommodate any number of different shapes through the use of the foam layers that provide physical protection for the item without having shape constraints. Optionally, the insulating layer can be made from commercially available material, such as “blue ice,” that can be pre-chilled in a refrigerator prior to insertion of the item that needs to be protected. Likewise, a vacuum, or air chamber, can be used with or without thermal materials such as blue ice to maintain a cool temperature. In addition an optional temperature sensor and alarm mechanism is also provided to warn the user if the internal temperature has exceeded a predetermined limit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container in the open position.

FIG. 4 as a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container in the open position, with a lipstick secured within a preformed compartment.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable container in the open position with an insulin bottle secured within a preformed compartment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment that uses a compliant inner layer to safely secure a variety of items regardless of shape.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment that has a storage compartment designed to accommodate a medicine vial and a syringe.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment that has an active cooling device in the storage compartment designed to cool the medicine vial.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment that uses an air or chamber vacuum chamber between the storage compartment and the outer shell of the portable container to enhance temperature control.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment that uses a temperature sensor and associated alarm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general overview of the invention will be presented. The invention provides a convenient portable container that provides protection from both physical damage and thermal damage. The device has an outer shell with sufficient strength to protect the contents from physical damage (i.e. from dropping, impacting, etc.) and a thermal insulating layer that protects the contents from an undesirable level of external heat.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a clamshell structure, similar to an eyeglass case, which can be moved from a closed position in which the opposing shells were secured together to an open position for the contents can be accessed. Alternately, the device can have an end cap that is removed to access the contents out the case. For ease of illustration and discussion, most of the drawings illustrate a structure similar to an eyeglass case. However, it is understood that any convenient shape can be used for the purposes of this invention as long as that shape is suitable for carrying a particular item that is susceptible to thermal damage.

Recognizing that any suitable shape can be used, an advantage of using a device having an external shape similar to an eyeglass case is that it can be easily manufactured, and economical to purchase. Further, the device can be easily transported in an individual's pocket, in a purse, the luggage, in a glove compartment of an automobile, etc. An important goal of the invention is to avoid a device that is too large and unwieldy to carry.

An important feature provided by the invention is the insulating layer. The insulating layer provides a thermal shield around the contents to protect them from external temperatures that may cause damage to the heat-sensitive materials stored within the container. The insulating layer can be fabricated from any material that provides suitable thermal properties. For example, the insulating layer can be any material that has a high-level of thermal resistance, or it can be something that actively reduces the temperature within the container. A passive insulator can be something as common as Styrofoam insulation, or something as exotic as the materials used to fabricate the ceramic tiles on the space shuttle. The exact material selected is not critical so long as it provides the thermal properties required to protect the contents of the container.

In addition to passive insulators, the structure of the device may also use a vacuum, or air cell, within the container separate the outer shell from the portion of the container holding the contents such as lipstick or medicine. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a vacuum or air cell section can be used in conjunction with both passive, and active insulation components.

In addition to passive insulators, the container may also include active cooling devices. For example, cooling devices such as commercially available blue ice can be shaped such that they fit within the container and actively cooled its contents. Again, those skilled in the art will recognize that active cooling devices can be used as a replacement for, or in conjunction with, passive insulators.

The insulating layer can be formed such that it has compartments sized to accommodate a specific item or items. For example, medicine containers such as insulin bottles typically have specific shapes. Likewise, so do the recently developed medicine injectors, such as insulin pens. The internal compartment can be molded such that it provides a storage compartment that precisely fits a standard insulin/medicine bottle or insulin pen. Likewise, the internal compartment can also be molded to fit a lipstick dispenser, or even molded to fit multiple devices. In the case of diabetics, they often require different types of insulin depending on the time of day. In this case the internal storage compartment can be molded to hold multiple insulin bottles in one container. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for individuals requiring injectable medicines, the container can also be designed to hold not only the medicine bottle itself, but also a syringe.

Alternatively, the internal compartment can be fabricated from compliant material, such as foam, that can conform to a wide variety of shapes. Of course, the advantages associated with this alternative embodiment is that a single internal compartment for many objects would be less expensive, and would provide the user with the ability to vary the items being stored within.

An alternative embodiment utilizes a thermal insulating layer that has the capacity to be pre-chilled. For example, there are a variety of materials that may be frozen and used to provide a chilling effect in combination with containers such as coolers. One example of such material is blue ice that is available along with other commonly available materials of this type. In this embodiment, the container would be placed in a refrigerator per to use the pre-chill, or even freeze, the thermal material used to cool items stored within. Preferably, the container would be structured with a hard outer shell to protect the contents from physical damage, and then have an internal layer comprised of a thermal insulator or chilling materials such as blue ice (or both) to protect the contents from thermal damage. Finally, an internal storage compartment would be used to hold the contents. Again, the internal storage compartment can be molded to fit a specific shape, or it can be a soft compliant material to accommodate any number of shapes.

Optionally, a thermal sensor can be used to indicate whether or not the internal temperature has exceeded a preselected limit. This can be important for individuals, such as diabetics, who need to know the status of their medication. In a preferred embodiment, temperature monitoring is accomplished by a thermal sensor that activates an alarm when the internal temperature has exceeded a predetermined amount. The alarm is preferably an LED light, but those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be a buzzer, an audible alarm, a vibrator, or any other suitable alarm mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal sensor is powered by a battery. The battery can be either rechargeable or disposable.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 in the closed position. This figure illustrates the top portion 2 of the portable container 1 along with locking mechanism 3. For ease of illustration, the locking mechanism 3 is shown protruding from the portable container 1. However in the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 3 would preferably be flush mounted to avoid snagging. In the preferred embodiment, the top portion 2 of the portable container 1 is fabricated from material that would be resistant to damage. Any suitable material can be used, such as metal, plastic, etc. Likewise, those skilled in the art will recognize that while the general shape of an eyeglass holder is used, any suitable design can be selected so long as design facilitates ease of transport and is not unnecessarily large or unwieldy.

Also shown in this figure is optional alarm indicator 4. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm indicator 4 is an LED device that, like the locking mechanism 3, would also be flush mounted. The alarm indicator 4 is controlled by an internal temperature sensor (not shown in this figure). The internal temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside of portable container 1. If the temperature inside the portable container 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alarm indicator 4 would be activated. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the function performed by the alarm indicator 4 can be accomplished by a variety of suitable methods, such as an LED lamp, a buzzer, an audible alarm, a vibrator, etc. The alarm indicator 4 warns the individual when temperature has exceeded a predetermined limit so that the individual can take appropriate action.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 in the closed position. This figure further illustrates the top portion 2 joining with bottom portion 5 at seam 6. The figure further illustrates the location of the locking mechanism 3 and the alarm indicator 4. The purpose of the flat design used in this embodiment is to facilitate carrying by the user in their pocket or purse while taking out the minimum amount of space.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 in the open position. In this figure, nothing is shown stored within the portable container 1. The storage compartment 8 is shown as a soft foam material that provides the advantage of accommodating any particular shape of object. Further, the use of the soft pliant material in storage compartment 8 is that it allows the portable container 1 to be used for multiple purposes. It could be used for lipstick, for perfume, for any type of medication, including insulin, for medicine injectors, such as insulin pens, etc. This provides an advantage over portable containers 1 that have storage compartments 8 which are designed to store a particular item. In addition, the use of a soft pliant material in storage compartment 8 also allows for a variety of items to be carried simultaneously and.

FIG. 4 as a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 in the open position, with a lipstick secured within a preformed compartment. In this figure, and lipstick 9 is secured inside a molded compartment in the portable container 1. Also shown is hinge 7 that hingedly attaches top portion 2 to the bottom portion 5. As discussed above, the item to be stored (in this case a lipstick) can be stored in a molded compartment specifically designed to fit it, or alternatively, the interior of the portable container 1 can have a layer of pliant material such as foam to accommodate a variety of item shapes.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 in the open position with two medicine vials 10 stored therein. The medicine vials 10 in this figure are secured within preformed or molded compartments. The medicine vials 10 can contain any necessary medications, such as insulin or any other medication.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 that uses a pliant inner layer 11 to safely secure a variety of items regardless of shape. In this figure, the portable container 1 contains a medicine vial 10 and a tube of lipstick 9. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any combination of items can be stored with one another. The items stored in the portable container 1 can be, for example, perfume and lipstick, medication and syringes, etc. As can be seen, portable container 1 can be used to safely transport any object that might be susceptible to thermal damage. The size and shape can vary to suit the intended purpose.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable container 1. This embodiment has a storage compartment 8 designed to accommodate medicine vial 10 and a syringe 12. Of course, the storage compartment 8 can have molded compartments designed to fit the medicine vial 10 and the syringe 12, but it could also be implemented with a pliant inner layer 11.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment that has an active cooling device 13 in the storage compartment 8 designed to cool the medicine vial 10. In this example, the cooling device 13 is a cylinder a blue ice that is positioned in a cavity adjacent the medicine vial 10. Prior to traveling, a user would take a pre-chilled cylinder of blue ice from a refrigerator and insert it into storage compartment 8. The blue ice would Jill medicine, lipstick, etc. while the individual was traveling, thereby reducing the possibility of damage the contents of the portable container 1. For purposes of illustration, the cooling device 13 was illustrated as a discrete unit placed within a cavity in the storage compartment 8. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the entire storage compartment 8 can be fabricated from chillable material such as blue ice so that there is an ample supply to keep the internal temperature of the portable container 1 low.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment that uses an air or chamber vacuum chamber 14 between the storage compartment 8 and the outer shell of the portable container 1 which is comprised of top portion 2 and bottom portion 5, to enhance temperature control. In particular, air or vacuum has been found to be an excellent thermal insulator period when used in conjunction with an active chilling device, such as blue ice, or a passive thermal control device, such as material with high thermal resistance, temperature control this increased over a longer time span. Also shown in this figure are internal supports 15 that secure the storage compartment 8 within the portable container 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the portable container 1 that uses a temperature sensor 16 to measure internal temperature but the portable container 1. The measured temperature is input to a control circuit 17. In turn, the control circuit 17 will activate one or more alarms 19-22. Any suitable type can be used such as the LED alarm 19, the audible alarm 20, the buzzer alarm 21, or the vibrator alarm 22. Also shown in this figure is adjustable control 18. Adjustable control 18 allows the control circuit 17 to be set to activate along this 19-22 at the temperature appropriate for the particular item stored in portable container 1.

Preferably, the portable container 1 is fabricated with interchangeable storage compartment 8 inserts. For example, a high-quality case can be made that may take any number of attractive ornamental designs, while the storage compartment 8 can be interchanged with other storage compartments 8. Each storage compartment 8 would have a different internal configuration such that one is designed for medication, one designed for lipstick, perfume, makeup, etc. As a result, a portable container 1 having a high-quality and perhaps expensive outer shell can be used for multiple purposes. Likewise, identical internal storage compartments 8 can be used to extend effective cooling time of the portable container 1. For example, when going to the beach, going on a picnic, etc., an extra storage compartment 8 can be left in an ice chest and swapped with the one in the portable container 1 when needed.

Another benefit provided by the use of replaceable inserts is that when an individual needs to replace the shell of the portable container 1, the original inserts can be reused. As a result, individual only needs to purchase the component that was damaged or worn out. Further, the exterior shell can be replaced for fashion reasons, such as different colors for different seasons, Christmas colors for the Christmas holiday season, etc period

As noted above, the portable container 1 can be designed with any suitable shape. It can be in the form of an eyeglass case as discussed above, it can be a cylinder, a rectangular box, the triangular box, etc. It can have a clamshell structure such as an eyeglass case, it can be opened at one end or the other with a hinged or pressure fit coupling. It can be fabricated with only a passive insulation component, it can be fabricated with an active chilling component, it can be fabricated with an air or vacuum barrier component to prevent internal heating, or it can be fabricated with any combination of those three components. The device can be made from the most inexpensive materials, or it can be fabricated from high-cost materials for aesthetic purposes. You The only requirement is that the portable container 1 provides a cool and safe environment for its contents, whether it be medication, cosmetics, lipsticks, etc.

While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. For example, the material used to construct a system may be anything suitable for its purpose, the size and shape of a system can vary, the type of circuitry and sensing devices can vary, etc. Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is to be limited only as specified in the following claims. 

1. A portable container for transporting thermally sensitive material, comprising: an outer shell; an inner storage compartment; an internal thermal insulation layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner storage compartment; means to open the outer shell such that the inner storage compartment can be accessed. 